Why are the terms you use for Liver, Lungs Patterns different than those in the book? If we are using that book as a text, wouldn't it have made sense to use the same terms?

Andrew said: I intentionally use terms from a different text to expose you to the variety of language involved in the English translation of TCM terms. For example Kaptchuk uses the term constraint of liver qi and Maciocia uses liver qi stagnation. They mean the same pattern. Can you see that the symptom picture is similar? Additionally, there are differences in the language used to describe the patterns. First, get to know a pattern. Then, use other sources to get to know it with different verbiage. The key to understanding TCM patterns is not to memorize the language but to be flexible and learn the essence of the picture each pattern paints. Try to move fluidly among terms and descriptions. After all, we are trying to describe an energetic phenomenon... not so easy! This part takes time and can take well beyond the six-week introduction course. David will return to these terms throughout the program and you will get to learn them better as time elapses. If you have difficulty making sense of terms, please ask that question in class. I am sure others have similar questions and I think it would be helpful for all to hear! Thank you for your question. Happy studying!